History Main / PhotofloodLighting

Technically known as "photoflood" bulbs, Photoflood Lighting fits into a normal lighting outlet but produce [[UpToEleven far more light than normal bulbs]], often up to 500 watts (Halogen equivalent)--about 4500 lumens. (Ordinary lightbulbs tend to top out in the 120W range.) Unlike the common incandescent light bulb that produces a warm yellow-orange glow, they provide a super-intense white light that makes florescent lamps seem downright cozy.

* In ''Film/ThereWillBeBlood'', the bowling alley in the final scene suffers from this.

The easy way to tell the difference between an authentic light bulb and a Hollywood example is if a light source seems strangely intense and much whiter than it would in real life. In addition to bunkers and submarines, photoflood lights will most typically be found in scenes relying on diegetic light in an otherwise dark room.

[[AC:{{Film}}]]

Technically known as "photoflood" bulbs, PhotofloodLighting fits into a normal lighting outlet but produce [[UpToEleven far more light than normal bulbs]], often up to 500 watts (Halogen equivalent) - about 4500 lumens. (Ordinary lightbulbs tend to top out in the 120W range.) Unlike the common incandescent light bulb that produces a warm yellow-orange glow, they provide a super-intense white light that makes florescent lamps seem downright cozy.

Most of the time, any well-financed movie will use off-screen lighting equipment and technical support to avoid this, but due to [[NoBudget budget problems]] or practical considerations (generally involving the size and shape of the set), PhotofloodLighting will occasionally be substituted for actual light bulbs in the light fixtures that appear on film, to provide adequate filming light without additional equipment.

The result is a lighting aesthetic that more accurately resembles a high school gymnasium than an intimate setting. PhotofloodLighting most often affects period pieces, but the trope also particularly stands out in industrial or military settings where bare bulbs are common.

The easy way to tell the difference between an authentic light bulb and a Hollywood example is if a light source seems strangely intense and much whiter than it would in real life. In addition to bunkers and submarines, they will most typically be found in scenes relying on diegetic light in an otherwise dark room.

* In the historical epic ''Film/{{Downfall}}'' Hitler's Bunker is lit with the intensity of a 21st Century Hospital.
* In the opening credits of ''Film/KellysHeroes'' the Jeep possesses an unseen bulb of unusual intensity that just happens to illuminate Pvt Kelly's face.
* In ''Film/ThereWillBeBlood'' the bowling alley in the final scene suffers from this.

** StupidJetpackHitler.

* The ''Film/{{Titanic}}'''s hallways are rather dazzlingly lit for a 1912 ocean liner.

Technically known as "photoflood" bulbs, PhotofloodLighting fits into a normal lighting outlet but produce [[UpToEleven far more light than normal bulbs]], often up to 500 watts. (Ordinary lightbulbs tend to top out in the 120W range.) Unlike the common incandescent light bulb that produces a warm yellow-orange glow, they provide a super-intense white light that makes florescent lamps seem downright cozy.

* The police station in ''Film/AssaultOnPrecinct13'' is lit with Hollywood bulbs until they all get shot out.

* In the opening credits of ''KellysHeroes'' the Jeep possesses an unseen bulb of unusual intensity that just happens to illuminate Pvt Kelly's face.
* The ''{{Titanic}}'''s hallways are rather dazzlingly lit for a 1912 ocean liner.

!!Examples

Technically known as "photoflood" bulbs, [[HollywoodLightBulb Hollywood Light Bulbs]] fit into a normal lighting outlet but produce [[UpToEleven far more light than normal bulbs]], often up to 500 watts. (Ordinary lightbulbs tend to top out in the 120W range.) Unlike the common incandescent light bulb that produces a warm yellow-orange glow, they provide a super-intense white light that makes florescent lamps seem downright cozy.

Most of the time, any well-financed movie will use off-screen lighting equipment and technical support to avoid this, but due to [[NoBudget budget problems]] or practical considerations (generally involving the size and shape of the set), [[HollywoodLightBulb Hollywood Light Bulbs]] will occasionally be substituted for actual light bulbs in the light fixtures that appear on film, to provide adequate filming light without additional equipment.

The result is a lighting aesthetic that more accurately resembles a high school gymnasium than an intimate setting. [[HollywoodLightBulb Hollywood Light Bulbs]] most often affect period pieces, but the trope also particularly stands out in industrial or military settings where bare bulbs are common.